.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
Arm Lift
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An arm lift, or Brachioplasty, reshapes the upper arm to tighten loose skin and remove fat that often creates a “batwing” appearance under the arm. Removing the excess skin caused by weight loss or natural ageing can tighten loose skin that extends from the underarm area to the elbow; liposuction is sometimes used in combination to achieve the best results.
Arm lifts take place under general anaesthesia. Several techniques exist depending on the amount of excess skin. The mini-arm lift, most appropriate for mild arm sagginess, involves an incision tucked in nicely in the underarm hair-bearing area. For significant weight loss patients (usually more than 100 pounds of weight loss), a full-length upper arm incision might be indicated.
-
For individuals with more fat deposits with minimal skin excess, liposuction without skin excision can also suffice.
-
For ones with excess hanging loose skin folds, skin cuts will extend from elbow till the arm pit and may extend on to the lateral chest.
-
The loose skin will be excised as per pre-operative planning and marking.
-
The skin edges will then be stitched in layers to give a fine scar.
Spectrum of Arm Lift:
-
Standard brachioplasty: as described above.
-
Limited incision brachioplasty: Your scar will most likely be limited to the underarm area.
-
Extended brachioplasty: The standard brachioplasty incision is extended along the arm down to lateral chest to address loose skin and fatty tissue under the arm area.
Immediately after your upper body lift :
-
After upper-arm-lift surgery, you can expect to have compression garments placed around your incision sites.
-
There may be mild to moderate pain for which pain killers will be given.
-
Drain tubes may be kept under the skin to drain out excess body fluid. These are taken out between 1-2 weeks during your follow up.
Recovery time frame after an upper body lift :
-
You will likely be advised to keep your arms elevated (above the heart) for a few days after the procedure. This will help to reduce swelling .
-
You may be kept in hospital for a day or two and sent home with drain tubes.
-
You will regain normal function of your arms and hands after two or three weeks.
-
You can resume your normal activities after four to six weeks.
-
However if you have persistent swelling and pain even after 2 weeks you should communicate with your plastic surgeon.
It is advised for the patient to avoid heavy
lifting, contact sports and jogging for up to six
weeks. It is important to remember that everyone’s
recovery will vary depending on an individual’s pain
tolerance and healing response.
The recovery period after abdominal etching is
fairly short. Patients are required to wear a
compression garment for three to six weeks
post-surgery and should only be removed when
bathing. Patients will experience some discomfort,
swelling and bruising whilst recovering, however,
this should subside within a few days to weeks. Most
patients are able to return to work a few days after
the procedure has been carried out, although this
may be longer if you work in a physically demanding
job as patients are advised not to take part in the
exercise that puts pressure on the abdomen, such as
lifting heaving items. However, it is important to
remember that everyone’s recovery will vary
depending on an individual’s pain tolerance and
healing response.
Every procedure involves inherent risks. Although
serious complications are extremely rare, Dr. Date
educates every patient about potential risks.
Those risks can include scarring, the opening of the
wound, discomfort for several days, bruising around
the surgical sites, infection, bleeding, skin
necrosis and general anaesthesia-related issues.
